How to deal with professional envy

Feeling envious of another’s success? Here’s how to deal with your tricky emotions

By Ernest Richardson

As anyone who’s suffered from professional envy knows, it can be hard to stomach when a colleague enjoys success – especially if they don’t seem to deserve it.

“There’s no point getting hot under the collar when other people receive accolades that you think they don’t deserve,”...

It’s a reaction that must be controlled if you’re to thrive in the workplace. There’s no point getting hot under the collar when other people receive accolades that you think they don’t deserve. Even light-hearted comments can be interpreted as a case of sour grapes.

Far better to concentrate on improving your own performance so that your talents don’t go unnoticed for long.

Be positive, congratulate your colleague, and move on. No one wants to be known as the office whinger.

And, most important of all, don’t do anything you’ll later regret, such as quitting a dream job just to prove a point.

As ever, the best advice is the oldest in the book. Stop worrying about what you can’t control. Think instead about how you can be a model employee, then enjoy your recognition when it comes.

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Published: 16 October 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

Jobs currently available

Sales Negotiator (9-month contract)

About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded, market-leading business on the outskirts of Colchester that is seeking a Sales Negotiator to join its stable team.

The key purpose of this role is to achieve and exceed sales conversion targets from quotations, whilst maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and engagement.

You will be responsible for the accurate updating of CRM and pricing systems too.

Key duties include:

Contacting clients by phone or email to follow up on quotations with a view to securing orders for the business.
Ensuring internal systems are updated accordingly with accurate and current information.
Negotiating with customers — listen to objections, understand requirements, and provide appropriate solutions.
Developing relationships with key customers, influencers, and decision-makers within the industry.
Using the bespoke pricing software to review and amend quotations in line with company processes.
Performing other tasks and duties as reasonably requested by the Sales Office Manager.

Role requirements include:

Professional and confident communication skills, both written and verbal.
Diligent and proactive in following up on quotations and capturing feedback.
Positive, “can-do” attitude and solution-oriented mindset.
Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work methodically under pressure.
Reasonable level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite; training provided for in-house systems.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise and remain organised.

Please note that, due to the company location, you must have access to your own transport.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

Sales Negotiator

About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded, market-leading business on the outskirts of Colchester that is seeking a Sales Negotiator to join its stable team on a full-time, permanent basis.

The key purpose of this role is to achieve and exceed sales conversion targets from quotations, whilst maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and engagement.

You will be responsible for the accurate updating of CRM and pricing systems too.

Key duties include:

Contacting clients by phone or email to follow up on quotations with a view to securing orders for the business.
Ensuring internal systems are updated accordingly with accurate and current information.
Negotiating with customers — listen to objections, understand requirements, and provide appropriate solutions.
Developing relationships with key customers, influencers, and decision-makers within the industry.
Using the bespoke pricing software to review and amend quotations in line with company processes.
Performing other tasks and duties as reasonably requested by the Sales Office Manager.

Role requirements include:

Professional and confident communication skills, both written and verbal.
Diligent and proactive in following up on quotations and capturing feedback.
Positive, “can-do” attitude and solution-oriented mindset.
Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work methodically under pressure.
Reasonable level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite; training provided for in-house systems.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise and remain organised.

Please note that, due to the company location, you must have access to your own transport.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.